off-line operation
- noun
- /ˈɔfˌlaɪn ˌɑpəˈreɪʃən/
- Specialized
:
operación fuera de línea
- The backup process is often an off-line operation, performed when the computer is not in use.
Examples
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Some maintenance tasks require an off-line operation to avoid disrupting system performance.
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Data conversion was carried out as an off-line operation before being uploaded to the mainframe.
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The printer is currently in an off-line operation mode.
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Many devices perform off-line operations for efficiency.
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Data conversion was carried out as an off-line operation before being uploaded to the mainframe.
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Some maintenance tasks require an off-line operation to avoid disrupting system performance.
-
The backup process is often an off-line operation, performed when the computer is not in use.
Synonyms
A task performed by equipment outside the main computer, for example a printer or external drive
Surface Forms
Morphology
off-line + operation
The noun phrase is transparently compositional: 'off-line' (not connected/controlled by the central system) modifies 'operation' (a process), so the overall meaning 'an operation performed while not connected to the main system' follows directly from the parts. This adjective+noun pattern is regular in English (and mirrored in many other languages), so a B1 learner who knows the constituents or the compound 'offline' would readily infer the meaning.
Etymology
The noun off-line operation comes from the simple image of doing work off-line, literally 'off' the main 'line' or connection. Imagine a device taken away from the central computer so it runs by itself and does not affect the system. That's why an off-line operation means work done by equipment not connected to or controlled by the main computer.
